Entry Procedures
Visa and entry requirements depend on the country that issued your passport. The information here is general guidance. Always confirm the requirements for your own nationality with the official source.
This information is for general guidance only. Please verify with the embassy or official government sources before traveling.
Visa Requirements
Types of visas required and their conditions
Most visitors need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) or a visa, usually applied for online before arrival through the official Sri Lanka ETA system. Conditions, categories and fees change and some nationalities have different rules, so do not assume firm rules and always check the official Sri Lanka ETA and immigration site before you travel. Your passport typically needs at least six months validity.
- Type
- ETA / visa
- Apply
- Online before arrival
- Check
- Official ETA site
- Rules and fees change and vary by nationality
- Confirm the latest conditions on the official site
Passport Conditions
Required validity period and blank pages
Your passport should be valid for at least six months from your date of entry and have blank pages for stamps and any visa sticker. A damaged or nearly full passport can cause problems at immigration. Keep a copy of the photo page separate from the original, and renew early if validity is short. Always check the latest requirements, as rules can change.
- Validity
- 6 months min
- Pages
- Blank pages
- Backup
- Keep a copy
- Damaged passports may cause issues at entry
- Store a copy separately from the original
Required Documents & Pre-registration
Arrival cards, health declarations, and other preparations
Immigration may ask to see an onward or return ticket, confirmed accommodation and proof of sufficient funds for your stay, along with a printout of your ETA or visa approval. Carry your passport, the address of your first night, and both digital and paper copies of key documents. Requirements can vary, so check the official Sri Lanka ETA and immigration guidance before you travel.
- Travel
- Onward/return ticket
- Stay
- Accommodation + funds
- Approval
- ETA/visa printout
- Proof of funds and accommodation may be requested
- Carry a printout of your ETA or visa approval
Pre-arrival procedure — ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization): tourists/short business/transit generally need an approved ETA before arrival, obtained on the official site eta.gov.lk. Since 25 May 2026 nationals of a set of 40 countries get a 30-day tourist ETA free with double entry, but the eligible list/fees/conditions change over time, so confirm officially before booking. Payment (if any) by card (Visa/Master/Amex).
Official Sri Lanka ETA site (eta.gov.lk)- Family name
- SMITH
- First / given name
- MICHAEL
- Nationality
- Your nationality (e.g. UNITED STATES)
- Passport No.
- A1234567
- Date of birth
- 1990-05-20
- Date of arrival
- 2026-04-10
- Flight No.
- UL455
- Address in Sri Lanka
- Hotel name & address
How to apply
- 1 Open eta.gov.lk, click Apply and choose the tourist ETA.
- 2 Enter passport and personal details.
- 3 Enter travel details — arrival date, flight and address in Sri Lanka.
- 4 Review all entries and correct any errors.
- 5 If a fee applies, pay by card (Visa/Master/Amex) and submit; note the reference.
- 6 Approval usually arrives by email — carry a printout.
The free/paid list, fees and conditions can change; confirm the current rules on the official site before you travel (beware paid look-alike sites).
Last updated: 2026-08-30
Cash Import Limits
Declaration-free limits and procedures for excess amounts
You must declare foreign currency above the set threshold on arrival, commonly around the equivalent of US$15,000 (a lower US$10,000 figure is also sometimes cited), and there are restrictions on bringing in or taking out Sri Lankan rupees. Limits and thresholds change, so check current rules with Sri Lanka Customs before you travel. Keep exchange receipts, and declare honestly to avoid seizure or penalties.
- Declare
- Above threshold
- Threshold
- ~US$10k-15k
- Rupees
- Import/export limits
- Local rupee import and export is restricted
- Confirm current limits with Sri Lanka Customs
Duty-Free Allowances & Restricted Items
Limits on tobacco, alcohol, food, and other goods
Travellers get duty-free allowances for personal goods, but there are limits on items such as alcohol and tobacco, and dutiable or commercial quantities must be declared. Gifts, electronics and high-value items over the allowance may attract duty. Allowances change, so check the latest Sri Lanka Customs guidance before you travel and keep receipts for valuables you bring in.
- Personal
- Duty-free allowance
- Limited
- Alcohol / tobacco
- Declare
- Over allowance
- Limits apply to alcohol and tobacco
- Goods over the allowance may be dutiable
Prohibited Items
Items that are strictly forbidden from import
Illegal drugs are strictly prohibited and carry severe penalties. The export of antiques and the trade in certain flora, fauna and protected species is restricted, so do not buy or export coral, ivory, antiques or wildlife products without the proper permits. Weapons are banned. Note also that items or tattoos seen as disrespecting Buddhism can cause serious problems, including detention.
- Drugs
- Severe penalties
- Restricted
- Antiques, wildlife
- Respect
- Buddhist images
- No coral, ivory or antiques without permits
- Buddhism-disrespecting items can cause trouble
Medication Import Rules
Rules for bringing prescription and over-the-counter drugs
Bring enough of your prescription medicines in their original packaging along with a doctor's letter or prescription explaining what they are and why you need them. Some medicines are restricted or controlled in Sri Lanka, so check with the Sri Lankan embassy or high commission before you travel if you take strong painkillers, sedatives or other controlled drugs. Carry medicines in your hand luggage.
- Carry
- Original packaging
- Proof
- Doctor's letter
- Check
- Sri Lankan mission
- Some medicines are restricted or controlled
- Confirm with the mission before travel
Vaccinations & Health Requirements
Required and recommended vaccines for entry
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if you are arriving from a country where yellow fever is a risk. Make sure your routine vaccinations are up to date and consider hepatitis A, typhoid and other travel jabs. Dengue is present, so use insect repellent, cover up and sleep under protection. Consult a travel clinic or your doctor well before departure for advice tailored to your trip.
- Yellow fever
- If from risk area
- Routine
- Keep up to date
- Dengue
- Use repellent
- Consider hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines
- See a travel clinic before departure
Immigration Process
Step-by-step guide from arrival to clearing immigration
Most international travellers arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) near Colombo. Have your passport, ETA or visa approval and supporting documents ready at the immigration counter, and be prepared to answer questions about your stay. Keep your arrival record and any stamped documents safe, as you may need them on departure. Follow signs and staff instructions to speed things up.
- Airport
- Colombo (CMB)
- Have ready
- Passport + ETA
- Keep
- Arrival record
- Be ready to answer questions about your stay
- Keep stamped documents for departure
Tips for Smooth Entry
Practical advice for a hassle-free arrival
Apply for your ETA well in advance through the official system and print the approval to show on arrival. Carry a copy of your passport separately from the original, and write down the address of your first hotel for immigration and transport. Allow plenty of time for immigration queues, especially on busy flights, and keep some cash for arrival costs. Double-check the latest official guidance before you fly.
- ETA
- Apply in advance
- Copy
- Passport copy
- Address
- First hotel
- Allow time for immigration queues
- Note down your first night's address